Symphonies Nos 2 & 3

With this eagerly awaited recording of Symphonies 2 & 3, Sir Colin Davis completes his enlightening Nielsen symphony cycle. The first title in the series, Symphonies Nos.4 & 5, was Editor's Choice in Gramophone and Orchestral Choice of the Month in BBC Music Magazine. The second, with Symphonies 1 & 6 was awarded CD of the Week in the Sunday Times. Nielsen's second symphony was inspired by a naïve but vivid painting representing the four temperaments of the human personality. Adopting these defining characters for each of the symphony's movements Nielsen realised a sonic depiction of emotion. His third symphony, the most openly Danish of his symphonies, portrays spaciousness, power and vitality and is considered his greatest international achievement.